Coming Attractions / Cinema Highlights in WNY

Ten tips to make bringing kids to free outdoor movies a lot easier

By Christopher Schobert

Outdoor films are still a great family night out, as long as you’re prepared.

It’s hard to say when free outdoor movies became de rigueur in Western New York. Whenever and however it happened, it is undeniable that in 2019, virtually every night of the week features some manner of cinema under the stars. That’s a wonderful development, especially for families.

As a frequent attendee of said films, however, I must say that it’s clear many do not come prepared. Just like taking little ones to films at the cinema, bringing them to outdoor movies requires real planning and preparation.

1. Be aware of your surroundings.

Every outdoor over movie location has its positive and negatives, its idiosyncrasies and annoyances. So before attending, consider the logistics. Is this a site like Canalside, which fills up quickly? Then plan to arrive early. Do you feel a need to be close to the screen? All the more reason to plan an early arrival. There is no one-size-fits-all approach here, so trial and error might be necessary. But the general advice would be to expect a large crowd, and a need to find a perfect seating spot. Oh, and also figure out the bathroom situation upon arrival. Believe me, this knowledge will prove helpful.

2. Arriving early? Bring things to do.

Let’s say you take the advice from tip No.1, and get to the screening early. Very wise. However, your kids might get bored before the movie even starts. So bring iPads, Kindles, games, toys, food — whatever you think may help the wait time.

3. Sit near other families.

Any couples without kids present? Maybe don’t sit near them. There is a good chance they are a young couple who will find your presence annoying. (And hey, perhaps you’ll find their child-less presence annoying, as well.) This is another reason arriving well before the start of the movie is smart.

4. Consider sticking with moves you know the kids already love.

With kids and movies, rewatching is actually a benefit. There is a high likelihood that the selections making up this summer’s outdoor screening schedule have already been seen in your house. But kids know what they like. If they despised Paddington 2 — how dare they, but alright — then skip Paddington 2. If they loved Coco, and watch it at every opportunity, then go with that one.

5. Pack smartly.

It’s a pain to bring a giant bag or eight to an outdoor screening. But there is no question that you do want to bring jackets, hoodies, blankets, snacks, bug spray, wet wipes, and maybe pillows. The good news is you won’t be the only parent to look absurd.

6. See if any friends are going to be there.

On almost every occasion in which my family attends a free public event, we end up seeing someone we or the kids know. And that’s great, because gives us some adults to talk to, and the kids some friends to hang with. Reach out beforehand and see if anyone else is going or wants to meet there.

7. Bring some cash, just in case.

This one, friends, is a biggie. Some outdoor screenings are held at spots (like Canalside) with snack spots on site, and if not, there may be some food trucks or ice cream trucks waiting for you. Bring some cash to be safe. It will save you a lot of hassle and tears.

8. Check the schedules closely.

Never assume start times or rain locations. Check online before attending and, of course, keep an eye on weather reports. I won’t name any names, but there are a few local series that simply are not the same when moved indoors.

9. Ponder drive time and parking issues.

Heading to Canalside? Plan where you’re going to park beforehand, and watch to see if there are any other nearby events that evening to impact parking. Another idea is to park and then take the train in, which can add some time but save some money and walking complaints.

20. Do not, for even a second, worry about your own enjoyment.

If you wanted a good time, you wouldn’t be at any outdoor movie with your kiddos. Do what you can to make this an enjoyable night for the little ones, get home, and then relax. You made it through another outdoor movie night! Cheers.

July 21, 24

Glory

The TCM Big Screen Series commemorates the thirtieth anniversary of Glory, the story of the first black regiment to fight for the Union Army in the Civil War. Matthew Broderick and Denzel Washington star.